Two weeks ago, the Art and Culture Minister Govind Gaude hinted at the possible demolition of Kala Academy in Campal to pave way for new premises.
“The Kala Academy is in a very bad condition as it is leaking but unfortunately nothing can be done to repair it as the designer is objecting to it,” said Gaude, while pointing out that the monsoon fury is taking its toll on the structures in the State and hence the structure would have to be demolished and reconstructed.
This move by the government has come in for severe criticism from all sections of the society.
India’s ace Fashion Designer, Wendell Rodricks opines that the state government should continue to protect and preserve this iconic building. He feels that the demolition of this building is the biggest insult to the Ex CM, Manohar Parrikar who invested so much into this iconic structure for IFFI.
“It is shame that the Kala Academy is not treated as a venue of international repute. Charles Correa designed a building that is used by all levels of Goan society. From the canteen to the open air museums, the Kala is an icon that national and international students come to Goa to study and marvel at. To now alter the Padma Vibushan architect’s vision is a crime that can be considered only by culturally challenged politicians,” he said.
“Time and again I have deplored how the parking is used for commercial purposes or that the premises are abused by a useless broad walk to ferry stars once a year for IFFI. Goans must stand up and fight this murder of our heritage,” added Wendell Rodricks.
While Assistant Producer and actor, Sachin Surlikar said that he got his fame through Kala Academy where he did a course in theatre and art.
“I began acting and performing in dramas after I did a course here. Basically this has been my second home. I do not think this should be demolished the government should work out ways to restore and preserve the uniqueness of this building. There is a different feeling and beauty of this open- air auditorium which will be understood by artists or rather kalakar. This venue is meant for art and culture and should not be used as a medium to generate revenue,” said Surlikar.
One can recall that this auditorium was lying closed for public use for the last several weeks.
KA can definitely be restored:
Experts & Engineers
Architectural experts opine that the open-air auditorium can be restored and that there was no need to demolish this historic structure.
A restorer by profession, Victor Hugo Gomes lamented over the idea of demolishing the open-air auditorium at Kala Academy.
“It is really sad to hear about this because it a legendry structure. Basically it could be the contractor who has failed. In Goa, a lot of money is being wasted on government buildings and substandard work is being carried out due to the involvement of corruption in the system. There is no check done on the quality of work and neither any maintenance. I am surprised how this structure where IFFI was held every year was not checked. They have to find a way to restore this structure. India’s only surviving opera house was also restored to its colonial-era glory,” said Gomes.
A noted structural engineer from Bardez told Herald that over the years some structural problems may have developed but that demolition is no solution.
“There is a need to check what the problem is actually and what the best feasible solution is. This is a contemporary heritage structure and we must do our best to save and preserve it. They may be few technical problems which can be definitely solved,” he said.
One can recall that in an earlier statement Kamal Hadker, who is a structural engineer and consultant to some of the largest civil projects in the country stated that Kala Academy is a monumental structure.
“I am shocked to hear that some people are advocating for the “demolition” of this building just because there are some leakages through the roof and signs of corrosion of reinforcement at some random locations. These are probably construction defects – which have occurred as a result of neglect and lack of maintenance. Such defects are easily repairable even now. Needless to say that the repair work should be entrusted only to an experienced and reliable agency,” said Hadker.
The Director of Goa Foundation and architect, Dean D’ Cruz pointed out that there was a need to have a public assessment and problem with the building.
“I do not see anything wrong with this building. The government needs to be open with what they think is wrong and ways to rectify. There is no need to demolish a structure that is barely 50 years and say it cannot be repaired or restored. They should call artists and architects and people need to be involved. Public consultation is needed along with transparency in the matter. If addition to the building is required then there is so much of parking space and land available,” said Dean.
